Pratyahara – the 4th limb of yoga
This week we delved into Pratyahara. This is withdrawal of the senses, which means lessening our reactions to all the stimuli we receive – quietening the noise. In a world as busy and informed as it is today it is very beneficial for us to quieten the noise.
During our practise, we focussed on sight, sound, touch and smell. I’ll do taste next time with chocolate button meditation :). We practised with our eyes close, we made a lot fo noise with Bhramari (Bumble Bee) Breath, we brought our attention to smells and noticed sensations against our skin (toe knitting, iykyk).
Sometimes too much information can be very distracting and disturbing. Our practise of Pratyahara allows us to turn in and focus on what is necessary and important to us right now. It is good to know what is going on but not to the detriment of our heath or the ability to do our actions well. We have the choice, to turn phone off, to slow down to step away. To simply be with ourselves and no one else.
By focusing on the breath(pranayama) we can turn in and quieten the noise (pratyahara). This is the first stage of meditation. When we practise this on a regular basis, we can be present and find peace. We can be the best version of ourselves.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you “quieten the noise”
